1. Rode Podcaster. High quality USB mic from the broadcast specialists. …
  2. Shure MV7. USB and XLR connectivity makes for one of the best all-rounders there is. …
  3. Blue Microphones Yeti. The oldest and still one of the best. …
  4. Rode NT-USB. …
  5. Audio-Technica AT2005USB. …
  6. IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2. …
  7. Mackie EM-USB. …
  8. Shure MOTIV MV51.

Besides, Which USB mic is best?


The best USB microphones you can buy

  • Blue Yeti. The best USB microphone overall. …
  • JLab Talk. The best USB microphone under $100. …
  • Blue Snowball Ice. The best USB microphone on a budget. …
  • Blue Yeti X. The best premium USB microphone. …
  • Movo UM700. …
  • Blue Yeti Nano. …
  • Elgato Wave: 3. …
  • HyperX QuadCast S.

Keeping this in mind, Are USB mics better? USB Benefits

Because USB mics process sound internally, they act as their own sound card when attached to a computer. This means that a USB mic will produce the same quality output regardless of the computer’s hardware specs, so they’ll work better than analog mics on computers with a cheap sound card or none at all.

Are USB mics worth it?

USB microphones are great if you want to sit in front of your laptop computer and record e.g. a podcast. The integral simple “soundcard” is pretty much a utility item, so any quality issues are mostly down to how good the microphone is and how its pickup pattern, sensitivity and “sound” suit your needs.

Why are USB microphones bad?

USB Mics Are More Likely To Hum

The most common cause of humming and buzzing in USB mics is your computer’s fan, which can create a droning sound in the background of whatever audio you are recording. This means that if you want the purest sound quality, you might want to avoid USB mics.

Is a USB microphone better?

USB Benefits

Because USB mics process sound internally, they act as their own sound card when attached to a computer. This means that a USB mic will produce the same quality output regardless of the computer’s hardware specs, so they’ll work better than analog mics on computers with a cheap sound card or none at all.

How do I choose a good USB microphone?


6 Tips for Choosing a USB Mic

  1. You Need a Quality Mic. I often say “shop at Guitar Center, not at Office Depot”. …
  2. Choose a Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic. …
  3. Look for a 20-20,000 hz Frequency Range. …
  4. Zero Latency Headphone Monitoring. …
  5. Consider a 24 Bit Mic. …
  6. Check Out the Chart. …
  7. Have Studio Will Travel.

Is a USB mic worth it?

USB microphones are great if you want to sit in front of your laptop computer and record e.g. a podcast. The integral simple “soundcard” is pretty much a utility item, so any quality issues are mostly down to how good the microphone is and how its pickup pattern, sensitivity and “sound” suit your needs.

Is a USB mic better than a jack mic?

The quality of a 3.5 mm microphone is better than USB devices. Your voice will sound crisp and clear. … These devices offer more compatibility as older computers and laptops are more likely to only accept analog mics. They are easy to plug in and begin using.

Are USB mics as good as XLR?

A USB mic connects directly to the USB port on your computer, while an XLR mic requires an external recording interface or a digital I/O. Neither option is inherently better than the other. In fact, many USB mics use the exact same components as their XLR counterparts, so the sound quality is comparable.

Do USB mics have more latency?

With digital audio, latency is typically associated with USB Microphones, USB Turntables and digital recording interfaces. (Latency with Audio-Technica digital wireless systems is so low – under 4 ms – that it’s not an issue of concern.)

Do USB mics sound bad?

USB mics are often not as good because it’s not just a microphone it’s a mic + Amp + Pre-amp + D/A Converter. All of that is crammed into a small space leading to some bleed over of the electronics. If you buy a higher end brand USB mic they will probably work pretty good.

Are USB mic better than headset?

USB Mics: Better Audio Quality, More Work

When it comes to high-quality audio, there’s no competition—a dedicated USB mic is going to beat out a headset mic any day of the week. USB mics are larger and include better internals for recording things like voiceovers and podcasts.

Are USB mics worse than XLR?

The 6 reasons XLR is better than USB are: They’re significantly more versatile. They work in non-digital settings, so you’re not stuck to a computer. Clearer sound quality.

Are USB mics good for recording vocals?

Like all microphones, USB mics come in a variety of formats. Handheld mics are great for recording vocals and interviews, while desktop models are generally better for acoustic instruments and podcasting. Some USB microphones are compatible with standard mic stands, which makes them ideal for studio-style recording.

Are USB mics lower quality?

Yes, most USB mics are bad, except for some higher-end USB mics. Given their lower price-point, it’s perhaps tempting to take the risk, but although USB mics are easy to use and carry, that convenience may interfere with the sound quality of your recordings.

How do I choose a microphone on my computer?


How to set up and test microphones in Windows

  1. Make sure your microphone is connected to your PC.
  2. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
  3. In Sound settings, go to Input > Choose your input device, and then select the microphone or recording device you want to use.

What should I look for in a computer microphone?


What to look for in a microphone

  • Use case.
  • Microphone types.
  • USB Vs XLR mics.
  • polar patterns.
  • Frequency response.
  • Sensitivity.
  • Improve audio.
  • Remote work.

Why you shouldn’t use a USB mic?

USB Mics Are More Likely To Hum

So when your computer makes sounds, the microphone will pick up on them and record them along with your audio. The most common cause of humming and buzzing in USB mics is your computer’s fan, which can create a droning sound in the background of whatever audio you are recording.

Is USB audio better than the jack?

USB headsets bypass your computer’s sound card and use their own sound processing system, for better sound quality than 3.5mm headsets. USB headsets benefit from digital-to-analog processing outside of the computer.

Are USB or 3.5 mm mics better?

Although 3.5mm mics are more expensive than USB devices due to their superior quality of audio, they can be just as good. You can replace the sound card if the quality of the 3.5mm microphone is not satisfactory. This sound card is cannot possible with a USB microphone because it has an audio adapter.

Are USB microphones good for recording music?

Like all microphones, USB mics come in a variety of formats. Handheld mics are great for recording vocals and interviews, while desktop models are generally better for acoustic instruments and podcasting. Some USB microphones are compatible with standard mic stands, which makes them ideal for studio-style recording.

Are USB condenser mics any good?

USB condenser mics are great for people who just need a simple, great-sounding mic with minimal extraneous gear and equipment. … With that said, using a USB condenser mic for these things is still going to sound good.

Can Blue Yeti use XLR?

The Blue Yeti Pro USB microphone is designed to be used as either a straight to digital USB recording device, or a fully analogue recording device. … While in XLR mode, the Yeti Pro can only be used with phantom power.